Transducer devices and methods for hearing

Abstract

A device to transmit an audio signal to a user may comprise a mass, a piezoelectric transducer, and a support to support the mass and the piezoelectric transducer with the eardrum. The piezoelectric transducer can be configured to drive the support and the eardrum with a first force and the mass with a second force opposite the first force. The device may comprise circuitry configured to receive wireless power and wireless transmission of an audio signal, and the circuitry can be supported with the eardrum to drive the transducer in response to the audio signal, such that vibration between the circuitry and the transducer can be decreased. The transducer can be positioned away from the umbo of the ear to drive the eardrum, for example on the lateral process of the malleus.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device configured for non-surgical placement through an ear canal to transmit a mechanical signal to a user, the user having an ear comprising the ear canal, a lateral process, an umbo, a malleus and an eardrum, the device comprising:
 a support configured and shaped to be placed along at least a portion of the lateral surface of the eardrum, the support being manufactured from a mold of the user's ear wherein a first portion of the support is positioned over the lateral process of the user when the support is placed on the user's eardrum and a second portion of the support is positioned over the umbo of the user when the support is placed on the user's eardrum; and   
       a piezoelectric bimorph bender positioned on the support such that the bimorph bender is aligned with the first portion of the support and extends to the second portion of the support. 
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1  wherein the bimorph bender is aligned with the malleus when the support is placed against the user's eardrum 
     
     
         3 . A method of transmitting sound to a user, the user having an ear comprising an ear canal, a lateral process, an umbo, a malleus and an eardrum, the device comprising:
 positioning a piezoelectric bimorph bender over the lateral process of the user using a support, wherein the bimorph bender is positioned on the support and the support is made from a mold of the user's ear; and   causing a force on the support which drives the lateral process of the malleus to produce sensations of sound.   
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein the bimorph bender extends from the lateral process to the umbo so as to couple the motion of the bimorph bender to the eardrum at the umbo. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the malleus has a tip and the force drives the tip of the malleus to produce the sensations of sound.